Interior Paint Budget Guide

Measured total wall area to be painted

Measure the height and width of each wall. For standard 8-foot ceilings, a room's wall area is roughly perimeter x 8. Subtract areas not being painted

Accounted for doors and windows

Subtract the area of doors (roughly 20 sq ft each) and windows (roughly 15 sq ft each). This prevents overbuying paint by 10-20%

Calculated how much paint you need

One gallon covers roughly 350-400 sq ft per coat. Most rooms need 2 coats. Calculate: (wall area / 400) x number of coats = gallons needed. Add 10% for touch-ups

Compared paint brands and quality tiers

Budget paints ($15-25/gal) work for low-traffic areas. Mid-range ($30-50/gal) offers better coverage and durability. Premium ($55+/gal) provides the best hide, washability, and color retention

Budgeted for tools and supplies

Budget $30-75 for brushes (2-3 inch angled), rollers (3/8 inch nap for smooth walls), roller tray, extension pole, drop cloths, painter's tape, stir sticks, and tray liners

Planned for primer if needed

Primer is essential when: painting over dark colors, bare drywall or patching compound, glossy surfaces, or making drastic color changes. Budget an extra $15-30 per gallon

Repaired holes, cracks, and damaged areas

Fill nail holes with spackle, patch larger holes with joint compound, and sand smooth. Let all repairs dry completely before priming. Fixing walls now saves repainting later

Taped edges, trim, and ceilings

Apply painter's tape along baseboards, window trim, door frames, and the ceiling line. Press the tape edge firmly to prevent paint bleed. Remove tape before paint fully dries

Covered floors and furniture

Use canvas drop cloths (not plastic, which is slippery) over floors. Move furniture to the center and cover it. Remove switch plates and outlet covers for cleaner edges

Ventilated the room and checked temperature

Open windows for ventilation. Paint best between 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit. High humidity slows drying and can cause bubbling. Use a fan to circulate air if needed